Algiers (Algeria)

Algiers is the principal/largest port and the capital city of Algeria, with urban population around 3,5 million and metro population around 5 million. The city is located in North Africa (Maghreb region, on the Mediterranean Sea), in Algeria's north-central portion. It covers a total area of approx 363 km2 (140 mi2).

Sometimes nicknamed "El-Behdja" or "Algiers the White" (Alger la Blanche) for the sparkling white of its buildings as seen rising from the sea, Algiers is located on the west side of a bay in the Mediterranean Sea. The city's modern part is built on level ground by the seashore. The ancient city of deys (the old part), climbs the hill behind the contemporary town and is crowned by the citadel (casbah), 122 m (400 ft) above sea level. The citadel and the two quays make a triangle.

Algiers is a major economic, financial and commercial center, with a stock exchange featuring a capitalization of EUR 60 million. Algiers has the highest living cost of any North African city.

There are a wealth of public buildings of interest in Algiers, including the whole quarter of Kasbah, Sahat ech-Chouhada (Martyrs Square), the government offices (former British consulate), the "New", "Grand", and Ketchaoua Mosques, the Bardo Museum (former Turkish mansion), the Roman Catholic cathedral of Notre Dame d'Afrique, the old Bibliotheque Nationale d'Alger (Turkish palace built 1799–1800), as well as the new National Library (in a style reminiscent of British Library).

Some 20 km (12 ml) to the west of Algiers are popular seaside resorts, including Sidi Fredj (former Sidi Ferruch), Douaouda, Zeralda, Palm Beach, and Club of the Pines (residence of State). Other amenities include tourist complexes, supervised beaches, souvenir shops, Algerian and other restaurants. The city of Algiers is also equipped with famous hotel complexes like hotel Hilton, El Djazair and El-Aurassi. It also boasts the first water park in Algeria. The tourism industry is growing but is not as developed as that of larger cities in Tunisia or Morocco.